In protest against China's "Anti-Secession" Law which was enacted one year ago, Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) legislators yesterday afternoon staged a small protest outside the Legislative Yuan and lambasted the "maintaining the status quo bill" proposed by the People First Party (PFP), saying that it legitimized China's aggression against Taiwan.
TSU legislators and about 200 supporters took part in the protest which also took aim at Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's (
Standing on a van, TSU Legislator Lo Chih-ming (
"PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) is even more ridiculous. He proposed the `maintaining the status-quo bill,' which is a law aimed at limiting Taiwan's legal independence and echoing China's ambition to annex Taiwan," Lo said.
Braving the cold weather, protesters shouted slogans and tore up a piece of paper symbolizing China's Anti-Secession Law.
Earlier in the day, TSU Chairman Shu Chin-chiang (蘇進強) held a news conference reiterating the TSU's stance, stating that China has adopted a "carrot and stick" strategy since passing its Anti-Secession Law and that its unification effort is increasingly diversified.
"In the face of China's military threat, I urge the people of Taiwan to unite behind a common national identification," Shu said. "I think the government should take practical measures to deal with China's invasion, not just hold a parade or pay lip service."
Shu also asked the PFP and the KMT to articulate whether Taiwan or the People's Republic of China is the country they identify with.
"They should not promote laws that serve China or boycott the government's policies. If they love Taiwan, they should pass the arms procurement bill because the people of Taiwan have the right to live free of terror," Shu said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday continued to promote the pro-democracy rally it will hold on Saturday, although some voices of dissent were heard from within the party.
DPP Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung (
"The appeal of this rally is legitimate and reasonable. People who recognize democracy would support this event. I believe US President [George W.] Bush will not oppose it," Lin said.
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